World City Guide

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
In 1999, Glasgow was awarded the title of UK City of Architecture and Design, which attests to the great variety of high-quality design within the city, with Victorian, Regency, Art Nouveau and ultra-modern styles all represented. The most famous architect and designer associated with the city – and the one who has indelibly left his mark upon it – is Charles Rennie Mackintosh, born in Glasgow in 1868. Another notable architect was Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson. In addition to the architecture on the streets, Glasgow is also justifiably famous for the artistic collections housed in its museums and galleries, most of which do not charge an admission fee.

Most of the city’s sights are situated on the north bank of the River Clyde. Here, central Glasgow’s street grid extends eastward to encompass the Merchant City. Within these two districts are the main shopping precincts, theatres and much of the nightlife, as well as The Lighthouse, Glasgow School of Art and Gallery of Modern Art. Further east, Glasgow Cathedral is overshadowed by the huge Necropolis, while to the north is Mackintosh’s Queen’s Cross Church.

Beyond the M8 motorway (which marks the centre’s western perimeter) is the green expanse of Kelvingrove Park – within its precincts sits the Art Gallery and Museum, Kelvingrove. Overlooking the park are the grounds of the magnificent University of Glasgow, home to the Hunterian Art Gallery and Mackintosh House, with the studenty West End and the Botanic Gardens beyond. To the south of Kelvingrove, the ‘armadillo’ convention centre faces the Glasgow Science Centre on the Clyde’s south bank, while the Burrell Collection is situated in the more distant Pollok Country Park.

Tourist Information
Glasgow Tourist Information Centre
11 George Square
Tel: (0141) 204 4400. Fax: (0141) 221 3524.
E-mail: enquiries@seeglasgow.com
Website: www.seeglasgow.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1900, Sun 1000-1800 (May-Jun and Sep); Mon-Sat 0900-2000, Sun 1000-1800 (Jul-Aug); Mon-Sat 0900-1800 (Oct-Apr).

There is also a tourist information desk at Glasgow International Airport.

Passes
There are no tourist passes in Glasgow, seeing as most of the attractions are free. However, a leaflet entitled Glasgow’s Leading Attractions contains vouchers giving discounts to some attractions, such as the Willow Tea Rooms and a tour of the School of Art. This is available from the Tourist Information Centre.